Eight British soldiers test positive for drugs

Eight soldiers have tested positive for drugs, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The men, who are all in the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, were found to have traces of cocaine and cannabis during a compulsory drug test in July.

An MoD spokesman said: 'Eight members of the 2nd Royal Regiment of Fusiliers have provided positive samples as part of the Army's compulsory drug testing programme.'

British soldiers from the 2nd Royal Regiment of Fusiliers celebrating St. George's Day earlier this year in Helmand province, Afghanistan

British soldiers from the 2nd Royal Regiment of Fusiliers celebrating St. George's Day earlier this year in Helmand province, Afghanistan

He said 'internal action' would be taken against the soldiers, adding: 'The Army treats drug-taking very seriously and appropriate action is being taken against all eight soldiers.'

An Army source told the News of the World that the men had 'let the battalion down'.

'These are not just daft kids,' the source said.

'Most are experienced men who should know better. It's taken the shine off what should be proud days for the battalion.'

The regiment was formed in 1968 by the amalgamation of the four English fusilier regiments, the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers, the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) and the Lancashire Fusiliers.

The 2nd battalion carries out public duties for the regiment, including guarding the Queen at Buckingham Palace.